Construction Types - Definitions

TYPE I-A--Fire Resistive Non-combustible (Commonly found in high-rise buildings and Group I occupancies).
3 Hr. Exterior Walls*
3 Hr. Structural Frame
2 Hr. Floor/Ceiling Assembly
1 ½ Hr. Roof Protection

TYPE I-B--Fire Resistive Non-Combustible (Commonly found in mid-rise office & Group R buildings).
2 Hr. Exterior Walls*
2 Hr. Structural Frame
2 Hr. Ceiling/Floor Separation
1 Hr. Ceiling/Roof Assembly

TYPE II-A--Protected Non-Combustible (Commonly found in newer school buildings).

1 Hr. Exterior Walls
1 Hr. Structural Frame
1 Hr. Floor/Ceiling/Roof Protection

TYPE II-B--Unprotected Non-Combustible (Most common type of non-combustible construction used in

commercial buildings).
Building constructed of non-combustible materials but these materials have no fire resistance.

TYPE III-A--Protected Combustible (Also known as "ordinary" construction with brick or block walls and a
wooden roof or floor assembly which is 1 hour fire protected).
2 Hr. Exterior Walls*
1 Hr. Structural Frame
1 Hr. Floor/Ceiling/Roof Protection

TYPE III-B--Unprotected Combustible (Also known as "ordinary" construction; has brick or block walls with a
wooden roof or floor assembly which is not protected against fire. These buildings are frequently found in
"warehouse" districts of older cities.)
2 Hr. Exterior Walls*
No fire resistance for structural frame, floors, ceilings, or roofs.

TYPE IV--Heavy Timber (also known as "mill" construction; to qualify all wooden members must have a
minimum nominal dimension of 8 inches.)
2 Hr. Exterior Walls*
1 Hr. Structural Frame or Heavy Timber
Heavy Timber Floor/Ceiling/Roof Assemblies

TYPE V-A--Protected Wood Frame (Commonly used in the construction of newer apartment buildings; there is
no exposed wood visible.)
1 Hr. Exterior Walls
1 Hr. Structural Frame
1 Hr. Floor/Ceiling/Roof

TYPE V-B--Unprotected Wood Frame (Examples of Type V-N construction are single family homes and
garages. They often have exposed wood so there is no fire resistance.)

• Note exceptions in the building code for fire resistance ratings of exterior walls and opening protection.